The Independent Message Board

If you would like your input to appear here, just email John!
June 1	5/25 Show
Getting tough to defend the Prez John? Wasn't he on with a speech last night? Usually you'd be all over that, but what with our apparently taking out a wedding party on more bad intel, and the Iraq policy MIA, your show today was dedicated to the mundane. I'll bet he's sorry the SC rigged the election outcome. I can't imagine a greater wasted diversion of resources than we've seen over the past 13 months., meanwhile Osama still makes tapes. The recent WMD find made me reminisce about how apoplectic you were when they found those barrels full of "chemicals" early in the campaign. Much ado over nothing. The place is going to take many more young American lives, and the war will have done nothing to make our position in the world more secure. That area has been run by thugs, bandits and thieves for eons. We're going to change it? Bill, West Greenwich
June 1	casino
maybe im lost about this issue but wouldn't it be better to get the jump on the indians and turn newport and lincoln into true casinos and keep 100% of the money for the state and would make an indian casino unprofitable?? maybe im wrong but you goto foxwoods and all you see are rhode island cars lets keep our money in our state.. a big tourist attraction like newport (with a casino) would bring so much to the state in jobs and entertainment .maybe im wrong but i don't see the problem of turning exsiting faciltys into full blown casinos run by the state (i can't belive im saying that lol) ..sooner or later there will be a casino and i would want the money going to the state not in some crummy deal to get some money from the indians
June 1	Hey there Rhode Island
Dear John: Do you think the people of Rhode Island know how to READ. Leave no Rhode Islander behind??? Two articles by Edward Achorn May 18th "Where is an opponent" and "Boss Montanaro plays public for dupes" in today's paper hits the problem right between the eye, yet no talk shows make any comments on these articles. In answer to Mr. Achorn question,quote"Could he (MR Montanaro)be underrating the intelligence of Rhode Islanders" Rhode Islander's intelligence??? Give me a break. For the past 20 years all radio shows have been informing Rhode Islanders the corruption, pay off and excess benefits to public employees, school teachers and even our judges. If it wasn't for Federal investigations and the convictions of some of our favorable politicians this state would be in a state of confusion. Do you think our AG office does any thing when the brother of the AG is head of the Democratic Paprty.How can anyone see thought the haze of minutia that there is a conflict of interest with Mr. Montanaro President of the AFL-CIO being on the Blue Cross Board. You really have to be dumb, blind and deaf. Now you have the great lobbyist Mr. Default blames the Governor Carcieri?? The people of Rhode Island keep voting in the Democratics in and than complain about taxes. The next election will be the same with Hardwood getting his old job back. The old gray fox from Portsmouth
June 1	Radio on the internet
I work in Kingston and would like to listen to your program during the day - but the radio reception here is not good. (I used to work in Providence and listened all the time.) Is WHJJ ever going to stream over the internet? Other radio stations do (i.e., NPR). Thanks. jackie hughes
June 1	Cost of 9/11
Hi John - how about the cash payments that surely were made to the families of the 19 suicide terrorists?? Does anyone know what the pay off to those families might be?? Perhaps some agency within our government is following thru on this - I would hope so. I am an interested listener to talk radio - Fox news - and anyone that loves our country and President as I do. God Bless President Bush, America and all those in the media that attempt to bring some sensiblity to world events. Sincerely, R Altiere - North Kingstown RI
June 1	Beer Jingle
John, My wife heard my dulcet tones today in her car as I was singing the tag line to the Schaffer beer commercial on your show. She chastised me that I didn't sing the whole thing, which she proceeded to do at dinner. She may call you soon and perform it for you as well. In case she chickens out, here are the words: Schaffer is the one beer to have when you're having more than one. Schaffer pleasure doesn't fade even when your thirst is done. The most rewarding flavor in this man's world, for people who are having fun. Schaffer is the one beer to have when you're having more than one. I think I'll go grab a cold one! Jim from Cranston
June 1	WSJ: Saddam's Files Show 'Direct' 9/11 Link
WSJ: Saddam's Files Show 'Direct' 9/11 Link Thursday, May 27, 2004 9:53 a.m. EDT Newly uncovered files examined by U.S. military investigators in Baghdad show what is being described as "a direct link" between Saddam Hussein's elite Fedayeen military unit and the terrorist attacks on America on Sept. 11, 2001. Ahmed Hikmat Shakir, who attended a January 2000 al Qaida summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where the 9/11 attacks were planned, is listed among the officers on three Fedayeen rosters reviewed by U.S. probers, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. "Our government sources, who have seen translations of the documents, say Shakir is listed with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel," the paper said. Though the Journal doesn't mention it, Saddam's Fedayeen has been identified in previous reports as the group that conducted 9/11-style hijack training drills on a parked Boeing 707 airliner at the south Baghdad terrorist camp Salman Pak. In a post obtained through Saddam's Mukahbarrat intelligence service, Shakir was stationed at the Iraqi embassy in Kuala Lumpur at the time of the 9/11 planning session. Also in attendance, 9/11 hijackers Khalid al Midhar and Nawaz al Hamzi, who piloted American Airlines Flight 77 when it crashed into the Pentagon. Ramzi bin al Shibh, the operational planner of the 9/11 attacks, and Tawfiz al Atash, a high-ranking Osama bin Laden lieutenant and mastermind of the USS Cole bombing, were also at the meeting, the Journal said. When Shakir was arrested in Qatar on Sept. 17, 2001, he was carrying phone numbers of the 1993 World Trade Center bombers' safe houses and contacts, as well as information relating to Operation Bojinka, a plot devised by trade center bomber Ramzi Yousef that became the blueprint for the 9/11 attacks. The Qataris released Shakir after a brief detention and he fled to Jordan, where he was re-arrested. Inexplicably, however, the CIA signed off on his release after Amnesty International complained. "He was last seen heading home to Baghdad," the Journal says. 108-108-108-108
June 1	BLUE CROSS INCREASES
Dear John, I have never written into a radio show but I feel the need! I am the Office Manager for a small manufacturing company and we just received our renewal rates for this year. Our increase is 45.5%!!!!!!! When I opened the mail and read it - I actually dropped it on the floor! In order to get health insurance for my family through Blue Cross it will now cost $1,360.64 (That is $16,327.68/annually). My mortgage payment on my 5 bedroom/2 bath home is only $1,326.91!! So now health insurance is more than my mortgage! That means that my husband and I must make $32,250.60 (before taxes!) a year JUST to pay for health insurance and to live in my house! Does not include food, utilities, cars etc.!!!!!!! I am absolutely outraged and Rhode Islanders must do something about this now! Thank you for letting me vent my frustrations! Tracey Barker
June 1	Rep. Joe McNamara
Dear Mr. Depetro,Senate Bill 2162 was passed unanimously in the Senate. The bill, in effect, overturned a law passed two years ago preventing Rhode Island residents from attending any Driver Education other than that offered by RI Certified Teachers. Senate Bill 2162 will allow RI students to attend out-of-state programs approved by Rhode Island Higher Education. RI Higher Education testifed in front of the Senate Education Committee that it does not see any problem with Senate Bill 2162. Rep. Joe McNamara, in an effort to satisfy the teachers union, has refused to allow the legislation to be brought up before the House Committee on Health Education and Welfare, which he Co-Chairs. We need your help to question Rep. McNamara as to why he feels that he alone should circumvent the system by not allowing the issue to be heard. We would also like to bring the union leadership to task by asking them to explain their actions in this matter. Since RI Higher Education and the Department of Education have no problem with the legislation, why is the union and Rep. McNamara being so underhanded in their efforts? Rep. McNamara has been receiving phone calls from constituents in support of Senate Bill 2162. We were informed by one of those constituents that Rep. McNamara told her the more calls he gets on the issue, the harder he will make it for the bill to be heard. Rhode Island students have been denied access to alternative, quality driver education since April 1, 2004 and time is running out for that to change. Please help in bringing this issue to the forefront. Thank you! Henry M. Labonte
June 1	Seat belts
John, I wear a seat belt and anyone in my car has to wear one, BUT I do not want the government to tell me what is good for me. This is my choice. If the government is so worried about seatbelts and "No Choice" maybe they should take the same stance on abortion. "NO CHOICE" Hypocrites. Bob in N. Scituate
June 1	Achorn goes after the little fish
John: Here we go again. People who live in GLASS houses should not throw stones. If we can get rid of the SMALL fish in Rhode Island we get rid of the BIG fish. A typical Rhode Islander who will pull the lever of a straight ticket and become BUSH wacker should look in the mirror. State workers, school teachers, lawyers, democratic politicians keep taking our money out of our pockets. Lets pull together and get these guys out now. Will Marc organize a group in Coventry to get them out???? No way. The gray Fox
June 1	TV ad for Blue Cross
I recently saw an ad on TV where a teacher is sooo thankful to Blue Cross for paying her medical bills. Shouldn't she be thanking the tax payers who pay for her Blue Cross premiums? Some of those who pay for her premiums through taxes, do not have Blue Cross coverage themselves. I thought that ad was a little like rubbing salt in a wound. Vivian
June 1	POW WOW
HI JOHN--- I CAUGHT THE SHOW WITH THE INDIANS. WHAT AN EXPLOSIVE CONVERSATION. THEY HAVE A VERY SHORT FUSE. THE MOTIVE FOR THE CASINO IS FOR THEMSELVES AND NOT ANYONE OR ANYTHING ELSE. I DO NOT WANT THEM OPERATING BUSINESS IN THIS STATE. I WILL VOTE NO. THANKS FOR THE AVENUE OF YOUR SHOW TO BRING THIS OUT IN THE OPEN. THE INDIANS ARE TO VIOLENT.
June 1	presidential speech
Good Evening John I just called chanel 12 because I could not find WJAR TV in the listing in the phone book.... that not withstanding, I am appalled that the Presidential speech is not televised on ANY of our local chanels. I was told by chanel 12 that it was a "White House Decision" that only cable network chanels would carry it and so be it. How can that possibly be??? Why would our local chanels not cover it? In an election year I would think that the "White House Decision" would want it's message to be aired on any and all available networks. It blows my mind that ALL MAJOR NETWORKS would not even consider the chance to air the Presidents message. God help all of us if we take such an appathetic attitude... we are definately DOOMED ! ! ! We are selling ourselves down the river... I never thought I would see the day. Merrie
June 1	no outcry
It's about time something like this came out!... I am not condoning what happened to the Iraqi prisoners...however, I think it is vitally important that in my head I have these matters in proper perspective... * Saddam had Iraqi men, women and children put to death in human meat grinders on a daily basis... NO OUTCRY FROM THE IRAQI PEOPLE OR THE ARAB COMMUNITY... *Saddam had people thrown off of 3 - 4 story buildings, while their relatives were forced to watch... NO OUTCRY FROM THE IRAQI PEOPLE OR THE ARAB COMMUNITY... * Saddam had people's tongues cut out, limbs chopped of, and even beheaded, while their families were forced to watch... NO OUTCRY FROM THE IRAQI PEOPLE OR THE ARAB COMMUNITY.... * Saddam's sons, as well as other Administrators and military personnel raped and sodomized Iraqi girls, some as young as 8 years old, on a daily basis... NO OUTCRY FROM THE IRAQI PEOPLE OR THE ARAB COMMUNITY... * Saddam's regime indiscriminately put to death millions of Iraqi citizens on a daily basis, during the term of his brutal dictatorship, as evidenced by the mass graves recently uncovered in various parts of Iraq.. .NO OUTCRY FROM THE IRAQI PEOPLE OR THE ARAB COMMUNITY... * Terrorists recently exploded several car bombs in Baghdad, killing 17 innocent Iraqi children and several dozen innocent Iraqi citizens... NO OUTCRY FROM THE IRAQI PEOPLE OR THE ARAB COMMUNITY... * Terrorists have been killing American/Coalition soldiers on a daily basis since we sent our troops, many of whom gave their lives on Iraqi soil, used US taxpayer dollars to liberate the Iraqi people... NO OUTCRY FROM THE IRAQI PEOPLE OR THE ARAB COMMUNITY... * Four Americans were killed in Fallujah, their bodies were burned, mutilated, dragged through the streets and hung on a bridge... while Iraqi people cheered and stoned the bodies...NO OUTCRY FROM THE IRAQI PEOPLE OR THE ARAB COMMUNITY... AND NOW, A FEW IRAQI PRISONERS HAVE BEEN HUMILITATED (poor babies)... A PAIR OF WOMENS Underwear PUT ON THE PRISONERS HEADS, A FEW NAKED PHOTOGRAPHS... AND THE IRAQI PEOPLE AND THE ENTIRE ARAB COMMUNITY GO Ballistic... GIVE ME A BREAK!!! As said, I don't condone what happened to the prisoners... but until the Iraqi's and the Arab Community gets their act together.... I wish the American news elite would stop being part of the problem and stop using this story to the benefit of the Arab community.. I DON'T WANT MY PRESIDENT TO APOLOGIZE TO THE ARABS FOR ANYTHING! WE ARE AT WAR! If anyone has access to the President or their Senators and Representatives, you might want to forward this if you agree, if not just Delete......
June 1	iraq
I WISH CBS, NBC, ABC,FOX WOULD JUST GET WITH THE PROGRAM. SMARTEN UP EVERYONE ! ! WERE AT WAR WITH A VERY ELUSIVE ENEMY.YOU PEOPLE SHOUD BE SHOWING THE VIDEO OF AN INNOCENT AMERICAN THAT WAS BEHEADED.I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY OUTRAGE AND SCREAMING ABOUT THAT ,FINDING AN ARTILERY SHELL WITH SARIN (A VERY LETHAL POISON) IN IT WAS JUST SWEPT UNDER THE RUG. IT'S NOT FUNNY WHEN YOU THINK BACK A SHORT TIME AGO WHEN WE WERE SHUTTING DOWN THE GOVERNMENT,THE POST OFFICE,AND THE OFFICES OF PEOPLE IN THE MEDIA'S OFFICES.SARIN IN THE SUBWAY??? SARIN IN THE AIR CONDITIONER??? I HOPE THAT NOT WHERE WERE HEADED BUT KEEP FANNING THE EMBERS AND WE'LL HAVE A RAGING FIRE THAT WILL CONSUME A LOT OF US
June 1	Nick Berg Torture/execution
Hi John, I've been listening since I moved back to R.I. in late 02. It's great seeing you and Arlene staying on top of all the scoundrels in the State House. Keep it up! On a much heavier topic… I know I'm coming in a bit late on this topic, but just wanted to make a comment on the Nick Berg torture/execution. One of my lines of work is training military, law enforcement, and civilians in the use of edged and impact weaponry as well as open-hand tactics. One of the systems that I teach is based on edged weapon use and techniques (knives and long knives/short swords, machetes etc..). Point being that I, and people who teach similar systems are experts in the use of edged weaponry and it's effect. A web forum called the Eskrima Digest has about 1900 members that train is this type of combative art. The topic of Nick Berg's killing has come up and the consensus was (from what could be seen in the video) that either they purposely used a very dull blade (to extend the time it took to cut through his neck) to behead Mr. Berg, or they took their time in committing the act. Either way, most of us believe the act was committed for maximum effect. It was not only an execution, but also a slow, extremely painful, and graphic torture for the camera (and the western world). People need to keep this in mind when comparing panties on the head vs. what happened to Mr. Berg. William from EG www.newenglandpekiti-tirsiapitbulls.com
June 1	Rocco
The web address for Roccos' web site can not be found www.antiprotester.com. Are you going to put a link on your site Thank You John James, Sr.
May 25	Odd Couple
John: In honor of Tony Randall, maybe you could replay the conversation you had with John Brown or Scott Frasier with the Odd Couple music in the background?
May 25	BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ISSUE
John; Just wondering why you will not put the petition DEMANDING the resignation of the rest of the Board of Directors, to keep the pressure on Blue Cross Blue Shield now that Ron Battista is gone the rest should follow!! David Greenwood
May 25	Defense of Marriage Rally
Dear John, My name is Joe Robinson, and I wanted to let you know that I am organizing a "Defense of Marriage" rally on June 26th, from 12 noon to 4pm at the South Lawn of the State House. This rally is in direct response to the judicial tyranny that was recently exposed in Massachusetts regarding the issuance of gay marriage licenses. I am organizing this event so that ordinary citizens who are tired of the assault on traditional family values can have a large voice, which will (hopefully) be carried by the media. To date, the Christian voice has not been widely heard regarding this issue. My aim is to change this. My goal is to gather as many like-minded people on the lawn of the State House and to let our politicians and judges know that what happened in Massachusetts WILL NOT happen here in RI. We are not the minority, and we will not sit idly by and just let this attack on Marriage happen. I would love nothing more than to have you at this rally, perhaps even broadcasting from it. I need to get the word out to as many people as possible regarding this event, so that the turnout can be astronomical. I have the spot, the date, and the time all confirmed... now I just need the people. Can you help? Sincerely, Joseph R. Robinson
May 25	hi, regarding your show
Dear Mr. DePetro, I listened to your show with Rod Driver on May 19. I don't agree with everything he says and I have never met or spoke to the man. But I was wondering why you had three conservatives and only one liberal on the show. It seemed like you were ganging up on Mr. Driver and his opinions. The result was a rather juvenile discussion, with repeated references by your conservative guest about a vague parallel between Iraq and World War II. And you cut off a couple of callers that didn't agree with you. Please get guests that have better debating skills (but keep Rod Driver) and please improve your own. I would respect you more and listen to your more often if you weren't contemptuous of opinions different than your own. I'm not saying you should become liberal. I don't agree with half of the things Mr. Driver says either. But "drawing a line in the sand", as you said, I think is being unfair and closed-minded. There are many sides to all issues, and any civilized discussion will show that. But I suppose your showman attitude gets you good ratings. Peace. ---Steve Lamarre in Warwick
May 25	may 19 show
I heard your radio show on Wednesday May 19 where you had guests named Ron Driver, Peter Anthony and a woman I think named Leah. What a ridiculous spectacle that was. I don't know how you convinced Ron Driver to go on that show with you three. He was never able to make a point.... anything he said was immediately shouted over by at least one (but usually two) of you. And what made that worse was that he seemed by far to be the most thoughtful and knowledgable of the bunch but never got a chance to talk. Why was he even asked to be there? So the rest of you could have fun being rude? It reminded me of the Jerry Springer show... but at least Jerry Springer deosn't pretend his show is anything but what it really is. Is this typical of your show? I hadn't heard it in quite a while. There is a reason other than the ads that I stopped listening to commercial radio.
May 25	Re: Lincoln " one more " Chafee 5/17/04
Just saw our Sentor on the Big Stoey Fox news. He does not represent me. Could not answer the question. He is a liberal
May 25	I give up
Dear John, What the hell is going on? War in Iraq. Gay marriage. Corruption. Taxes. Casinos. Indians. Daycare. Health care. Self absorption. Gas prices. And greed, greed , greed. It's everyman for himself now I guess. Does anyone tell the truth anymore? Is there anyone out there without an agenda? Me, me, me. Gimme, gimme, gimme. I'm tired. So I'm just gonna sit in my back yard and look at the stars for a little while. If you look long enough you begin to realize how insignificant we are. Dan S.
May 25	Re: Jack Reed and Congress Ignored Reports of Prisoner Abuse 5/17/04
Here we go again. The people of RI voted him in. Wall Street Journal May17t h "Geneva for Demagogues" discuss our Senator's knowledge of the Geneva Conventions. Here we have a Senator graduated from West Point, in the service and doe's understand the Geneva Convention. What an embarrassment to the voters. It's all political. He should go back to his old job as a bag man to the New York Senator
May 25	Re: Re: John Harwood- a Comeback? 5/13/04
Did anyone read the article in the Providence Journal May 18 by Achorn. He hits the nail on the head. However we have a lot of people who can't read and understand why Hardwood is getting back in. I said it before the unions, teachers and lawyers want him back in? Could you image that his wife is a judge for life at our expense. The casino with Lincoln Park is big money for his law firm. The voters of RI approve of a corrupt democratic party.
May 25	GREAT news/liberal media wanker boy
John, Saw on Channel 10 at 6 tonight where the thinking is Governor Carcieri is going to run for re-election. Seems as though Bill liberal wanker boy Rappleye got his hands on a campaign letter the Gov is sending out to his supporters. The letter doesn't specifically say he's definitely going to run again but if reading between the lines that's exactly what it says. So who does liberal wanker boy Rappleye interview concerning the Governor's letter?? How about Guy The Injuns pay me 100 grand a year for my friendship DuFault and George AFL/CIO thug Nee. And then we see Nee showing the letter to.... Paul Moura?? Liberal wanker boy Rappleye went running to his fellow wanks with this story and then cried at the end of his propaganda piece about how he tried all day to get hold of the Governor but with no luck. But the story does have a beautiful ending.... **Channel 12** caught up with the Governor and while he said he had no announcements to make he did say he thought he needed 8 years to get the job done and had a big smile on his face while saying it. Hope Liberal Wanker Boy Rappleye choked on that video from his competitor. John, we all know the media has a left leaning slant but some people are so unprofessional and jaded that they don't even try to make a story balanced. Guy Dufault and George Nee got the interview in this Governor Carcieri story?? Outrageous... even by lowly liberal wanker Rappleye standards. Linda NK
May 25	e.mail
John you tell people to e.mail you, when i do you don't respond or post it anymore so i give up Tim from Riverside
May 20	Matty's Run for Epilepsy
Hi John, Kindly run the following community advertisement in June: The 2nd annual Matthew Siravo Memorial 5K Run/Walk for Epilepsy being held at URI's Keaney GYM on June 12th. Registration at 8 AM Race begins at 9:30 Join members of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders to help raise funds for Epilepsy research, education and awareness. For more information call 789-7330 or visit www.MattyFund.org Thank you Richard Siravo Executive Director (401) 789-7330
May 20	Today's show
Having these three folks in your studio was not a good idea.
May 20	On Air talk with members of the Narragansetts
I would like to get a transcript of the radio Talk show you had with members of the Narragansett Tribe the Morning of May 18, 2004.
May 20	RECENT SHOWS
JOHN, LAST COUPLE OF DAYS HAVE BEEN OFF THE CHARTS. TOPIC'S, VIEWS... IT'S ALL BEEN GREAT. ON THE SUBJECT OF THE SUPREME CHIEF MEDICINE MAN ADVISOR TO THE NARRAGASETTS, HE HAS LOST HIS MIND. I THINK HE DID MORE DAMAGE TO THE INDIANS IN THE SHORT TIME HE WAS ON THAN HAS BEEN DONE IN A CENTURY. I'VE SAID IT BEFORE AND I'LL SAY TILL HELL FREEZES OVER "WE DON'T OWE THE INDIANS A THING." THEY'RE LAZY AND THEY DON'T WANT TO WORK. THEY WANT TO DEAL CARDS OR SELL TOBACCO PRODUCTS AT THE "RHODE ISLAND TAX PAYERS EXPENSE". THAT'S THE END OF IT AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED. AS FAR AS ROD DRIVER IS CONCERNED HE SHOULD'VE STAYED IN IRAQ MAYBE THEY WOULD HAVE TORTURED AND BEHEADED HIM. HE'S CLOSE TO BEING CERTIFIABLE RIGHT NOW. THERE IS A RESERVATION AT AN ALL INCLUSIVE RUBBER ROOM WAITING WHEN HE IS READY TO MAKE A REAL COMMITMENT TO SOMETHING.JOHN, KEEP THE EMBERS OF CHANGE GOING WE THE LISTENERS WILL DO OUR BEST TO FAN THE FLAME IT PRODUCES................. LISTENING ALL THE TIME, ALLAN CHAGNON
May 20	Berg video exposed as a fraud
Terrorist mastermind Zarqawi has announced his name but hidden his face. The CIA has said it is indeed Zarqawi, but he appears to be reading his own speech from a paper. The person holding the knife -- allegedly Zarqawi -- has a Black hood at the video's beginning, but there is an edit (the camera time signatures change) and the knifeholder is then wearing a WHITE hood (and no bulletproof vest). You'll also find the following oddities in the heavily edited video, which was heavily edited, presumably in a lab or on a pc: WM-----|-----Video Clock-----|-----Screen Shot 0:00 ---|--- nothing ---|-------Arabic letters 0:05 ---|--- 13:26:24 ---|--- Nick Berg speaking 0:09 ---|---- 2:18:33 ---|--- Nick Berg sitting 0:20 ---|---- 2:40:33 ---|--- Speech in Arabic 4:36 ---|---- 2:44:56 ---|--- Speaker pushes Berg over 4:38 ---|--- 13:45:48 ---|--- Decapitation begins 4:43 ---|--- 13:45:52 ---|--- Picture lost 4:44 ---|--- 13:45:59 ---|--- Picture returns, decapitation continues So, if we are to assume the timestamps of the two (?) cameras are accurate, this means Berg was beheaded at 13:47:49 (1:47) but at 2:44, nearly an hour later, he is sitting with his head intact. Zarqawi has also been reported to have an artificial leg; this is definitely not apparent in the video. Nor is his Jordanian accent, according to experts. Also note the gold ring on the "sinister" (toilet-using) hand -- a definite no-no for muslims. Then there's US consulate Beth A. Payne's emails to Berg's family saying their son was in "US military custody" for 13 days: http://www.usatoday.com/news/ world/iraq/2004-05-13-emails-text_x.htm April 1, 1:26 a.m. (To Michael Berg, Berg's father) I have confirmed that your son, Nick, is being detained by the U.S. military in Mosul. He is safe. He was picked up approximately one week ago. We will try to obtain additional information regarding his detention and a contact person you can communicate with directly. April 1, 5:23 a.m. (To Suzanne Berg, Berg's mother) I have been able to confirm that your son is being detained by the U.S. military. I am attempting to identify a person with the U.S. military or FBI here in Iraq who you can contact directly with your questions. And, according to CNN, Berg himself had contacted a friend -- Chilean reporter Hugo Infante -- saying he was in US custody: http://www.cnn.com/2004/ WORLD/meast/05/13/berg.friends/ The US Administration denies this, saying he was in Mosul Iraqi police custody, BUT "...police chief Maj. Gen. Mohammed Khair al-Barhawi in Mosul insisted his department had never arrested Berg and said he had no knowledge of the case. ''The Iraqi police never arrested the slain American,'' al-Barhawi told reporters. ''Take it from me ... that such reports are baseless.'' http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/ world/iraq/20040513-1057-iraq-berg.html And of course there are the American orange prisoner jumpsuit and white plastic chair and yellow walls which appear in the video -- exactly as they do at Abu Ghraib, the now-notorious site of the American torture of Iraqi POWs: http://marc.perkel.com/images/berg-chair.jpg http://marc.perkel.com/images/babe-chair.jpg http://marc.perkel.com/images/prison01.jpg http://marc.perkel.com/images/orangegarb.jpg Next, the hosting website was reported to be in Malaysia, but was discovered to actually located in London: Says Jackblood.com, which ran a trace: "...www.al-asnar.net and www.al-asnar.biz have apparently been disabled by 'authorities.' ...the publishers for these sites are located in London, England and Nurnberg, Denmark. "The addresses began to disappear from the internet listings as we reported this development on The Power Hour Radio Show. Apparently, "Big Brother"; had been listening to the show and didn't like the news at all. The location of the publishers for al-ansar.net appears to be at an Arab Press Building, which appears to be shared by different Arab newspublications. The name of the organization is the Arab Press House. Thebuilding is apparently the headquarters for news magazines such as, AlJamilla, Sayidaty, and Al Majallah among others. The London address is the following: http://www.al-ansar.net Arab Press House Abdel Rahman al-Rashed 184 High Holborn, WCIV78P, London tel. 020 78318181 The other address is located in Nurnberg, Denmark. It apparently belongs to a man named Omar AbuOmar. His email address is:alansar_alansar@hotmail.com . The complete mailing address is the following: http://www.al-ansar.biz Omar AbuOmar New Dream St. 33 Nurnberg, Denmark, 42114 Phone: +965.15441211 Email: alansar_alansar@hotmail.com ...these same websites (www.al-asnar.net and www.al-asnar.biz) were the ones that posted the latest Bin Laden audio recording, weeks ago. Despite knowing the website addresses, and potentially the addresses of their respective publishers, the CIA, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security did not make any apparent efforts to monitor the websites for uploaded files or internet traffic. Therefore, no arrests were made." Next, the AK-47 carried by one of the men is a "Gilal" -- an Israeli weapon that improves on the AK- 47. Feyadeen and other insurgents almost universally use AK-47s. The man in the left of the video is standing in the American military stance known as "parade rest", and several of the apparent terrorists are wearing white tennis shoes ad bulletproof vests. At frame 13:46:27, there is an edit and a person with a white ear and a green cap is seen entering from the right. Then the video is re-edited. Matt Drudge reports that "The statement in the video was signed off with Zarqawi's name and dated 11 May" , but Berg's body was reported found on May 10th -- the day before the video was apparently made! Pay attention. This one is definitely a setup. More details here: http://www.libertyforum.org/
May 20	Re: Lied to again! 5/17/04
JOHN: DAVE KANE AND YOU ARE RIGHT, THE A.G. IS A LAUGHING STOCK. I BRIEFLY MET A NEW PROSCECUTOR IN HIS OFFICE-A BLONDE BOMBSHELL WITH AN EMPTY HEAD! I WAS TOTALLY DISAPPOINTED IN KNOWING SHE WOULD BE FIGHTING CRIME IN THE TOP LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICE IN THE STATE! WE SHOULD SUPPORT ANTIPROTESTER.COM AND FIGHT THE EVIL AND THE LYING S.O.B. PAT LYNCH. --PAUL MARSHALL WICKFORD, RI
May 20	SUSPECT: Hate speech coming to a church near you
For those who are unconcerned about the homosexual marriage issue being forced down our throats (no pun intended) conceding yet another piece of American society to the liberal mindset, consider the following story. It concerns new laws passed in socialist Canada forbidding violence against homosexuals, soon to come to a congress near you. Just one problem, though. The "hate speech" component now applies to passages from the bible which considers homosexuality a sin. Can you imagine the word of God being silenced because of the radical, rabid homo agenda drivers? Freedom of speech only applies to the left, not to those on the right trying to preserve what's left of Western civilization. I urge you to pass this on and to contact your elected officials to nip this thing in the bud before it happens in this country. Remember, the constitution guarantees freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM it. Can you see where this is all going? First the removal of the 10 commandments from the public square, then the removal of God from the pledge of allegiance, then what's next? A hate speech law forbidding biblical scripture from being spoken because if offends homosexuals? This must end NOW. http://www.foxnews.com/story/ 0,2933,120195,00.html
May 20	Casino- why are people against it
What I do not understand is why people are against a business opening up in the state of RI. The Governor acts like there is not a Casino currently in the state. We all know politicians have been getting paid and probably are still getting paid from our current Casinos. The state should not be telling a business if they should open or not the people should. It is a shame how a minority of people make decisions for the entire state. Remember American Indians were robbed of their land by the same people today that will not let them use their land for what they want. A Casino is not illegal and they should not even have to ask to build one here in the state. They said a Casino would bring crime I guess the people in Lincoln and Newport are terrified from people that visit those places. I haven't seen their property values go down lately. Let's get the real story out. Karriem Kanston, Providence
May 20	poster child
John, Can you imagine that idiot John Brown with his low self-esteem, fragile ego and that horrific temper with a billion dollar business!!! This guy is the poster child for all of us who believe this jewel of a state doesn't have a chance in hell of relinquishing its title of "Rhode Island the Corruption State".
May 20	UNBELIEVABLE
John: Where is John Wayne when you need him!!! LOL! The way this Narragansett Indian Moron reacted, these people won't get to put up a Bingo Hall! Mike in Warwick
May 20	casino
John After listening today to the high ranking tribal member loose his cool and the very intelligent Mr. Oliviera on your show, they lost my vote!! mixing together the tribe and the town of West Warwick is a bad idea, they both really need to get there acts together. frankly im sick of hearing about the casino
May 19	hi john
HI- That John Brown really pissed me off. There is NO WAY I will vote for the casino after hearing that animal - I don't know how you deal with the abuse!!!! Great Job, Mike
May 19	job well done
The subject matter is meant as facetiously as can be interpreted. I thought this morning's show came with an inherent bias and discrimination that is known, throughout the US, when it comes to RI. The very divisiveness that was created by everyone who called in, regarding Lawrence Olivierre's visit and comments, shows how very well you do your job. I wonder if Larry genuinely realizes he was the fool who was set up to create internal strife and angst among the Narragansetts again. Over the course of history, it has taken only one individual with an axe to grind to cause this type of dissension and fracturing of our internal structure. That John Brown was caught in your web is incredible to me because the man is far more intelligent and competent than to get sucked into one of your sensationalistic programs. Had he been given an opportunity to speak, I think you would have found a voice that has great capacity to address some of the organic issues of the Tribe, not the sensationalism of the casino. Frankly, I am more than shocked that Larry's issues with an individual allowed him to bring all of his personal opinions public. This is another man of great wisdom and astuteness and I wonder what "bought out" his loyalties to those of us who have always recognized him as a Tribal member, family member and as a brother. I wonder if he even begins to value the depth of harm. When the interest of an individual supersedes the interest of all others, then everyone has lost. This is where I must place Larry's decision to go public. Larry's show of disrespect and inconsideration for those who have granted him nothing but unconditional love and support opened up a wonderful opportunity for yellow journalism. It's the story of the "three ponies" all over again. Knowing this, John should have just hung up, when he was not given equal opportunity to have comment, he's dealt with enough reporters to know how quickly an effective comment can be turned against you. You have effectively and efficiently sliced open poorly healed wounds within this tribe, granted through another's lack of foresight and wisdom and that is why I labeled the subject matter as job well done. As for those individuals whose opinions of the Tribe and the tribal endeavors were swayed by the comments of an individual, either you are very weak minded, or it was the decision you had already come to, only needed an excuse to justify it. And for the incredibly intelligent individual who said we were all wiped out in Great Swamp, your wishes are not granted, we are here, have always been here, and some of us will persist when you are gone. Ignorance, racism, discrimination, bias, the South had nothing on that which is alive and thriving in RI.
May 19	The War on Terror
John I listen to you quite frequently, sometimes I disagree with you, sometimes I don't, but I have to side with you on this issue, The War on Terror.Why are we so divided! "meaning the peoples of these United States" and why are some against our President on these issues, right or wrong he still is our leader and we need to stand by him either way. As far as Im concerned it's Pearl Harbor all over again and we need to tighten up our lips, remember the posters from World War II? Loose lips sink ship? or The Enemy is watching you! I believe the media is getting "Has been" to involved in this and needs to cut back, I know its there right to report the news but do we need to paste it all over, its like a boxer letting his guard down and the apponenet takes a sucker punch!! People need to remember that we have Father's and Sons, Brothers and Sisters over there fighting for our freedom and our right to choose. It's funny how people all gathered together the day we where attacked, but now some seem to step in the other corner, I'll never forget the day or forgive the bastards, to bicker and quarell is to let the enemy win the day, so we need to stop and win the war even if it hurts us, its war NOT A CAKE WALK! And for the abused Iraqi prisoners, just remember Nick Berg and the price he paided for a little humilation on a few Iraqi prisoners, or the other U.S citizens who paided the ultimate price, just remember them, and when someone harps on the issue of mistreatment tell em that you can't recover from a beheading!!! I beleive in my country and what it stands for, the enemy believes in standing in my country and trampling it!! A country that has always been there for others, A country that has shed blood for others and commited it's self for others, people seem to forget that, the same people that hate us seem to forget that! And for the WMD! John I think it's good we found some but! i think it's going to take more than just one shell to prove to the people that they are there. One more thing to I hope every American who goes to the Olympics comes equipt with a U.S Flag ready to wave it in the face of false hood and injustest!! Thank you Sincerly Rich Newport R.I. The Continental Congress of 1777 declared that the white stars in the field of blue shall represent a "New Constellation." George Washington described the white in the Flag as symbolizing our desire for liberty - the land of the free. We say the red signifies the courage and sacrifices of the nation's defenders, and the blue has been likened to the loyalty and unity of our citizens.
May 19	Atrocity
An American kid was BEHEADED on video in Iraq. Tell me again, Senator Clinton, how this "atrocity" ranks with Iraqi detainees shown in humiliating photos? I'll bet Nick Berg would have liked the option. Thanks for your support.
May 19	With Great Power Comes Irresponsibility and Infidelity...
Hi John. Love the Show. My name is Eric. I'm a long time listener, not only of your show, but of talk radio. In the past, I have sent you comedic articles I've written concerning local and national events. Hope you enjoyed them. Currently, I work as an analyst for a large local company here in RI, but I am trying to make it as a comedy writer. Anyhow, I've written another piece that I would love to share with you and your listeners. Hope you enjoy. thank you for such a informative and entertaining show...You rock. ............................ WAR IS HELL: THE TALE OF A POTATO SACK AND BARKING DOG. The recent controversy facing the U.S. Military and Bush Administration came to a head earlier this week when allegations of prisoner abuse resurfaced. Under conditions of anonymity, Iraqi detainees have come forward, with detailed accounts of abuse that they claim are widespread behind the walls of the Abu Ghraib Prison. Complains of torture and inhuman conditions came to light after photos surfaced, showing the physical and sexual abuse prisoners suffered at the hands of US Interrogators. General Art Vandalee of the 1st Military Police Brigade comments, "recent events have prompted the U.S. Military to look into these allegations of abuse. We do not condone this sort of behavior and consider it a black eye for the United States Military." General Vandalee continued, "Furthermore, as vicious and inhuman as this may seem, the act of placing a tea cosy or potato sack over ones head,while pointing and laughing at their genitals, it is not proper protocol for Military Interrogators. Rather, that would be more appropriate for the initiation into an Elks Club, Ham Radio Club or even the Democratic Party." Complains started to surface over the weekend of "unorthodox" methods of interrogation. Prison records show that unruly and uncooperative prisoners would be sent to "tickle rooms" while others were subject to "power wedgies," "Texas, tittie twisters" and agonizing "Indian Sunburns." "It was probably the pink bellies that were the worst," states Obui Wan Qanobi, a former Abu Ghraib detainee. "It would start with the hollering. Prison guards would storm my cell and holler, "Pink Belly, Pink Belly, who ordered a pink belly!" "I would reply that I did not ask for, nor order the pink belly and that perhaps it was someone else of Muslim descent who ordered it. next thing I know, three Soldiers held me down, while another would lift my shirt and repeatedly slap my belly until it became irritated and raw." Lifting his shirt, Obui Wan Qanobi revealed the slightly pinkish welt. "Who would want to be subject to that form of humiliation and terror. I would never wish that on my worst enemy." Stories, such as Obui, are not isolated incidents. Former Abu Ghriab Prisoner, Pepus "Newman" Abdul revealed to the Prison Commission On Conduct, (otherwise known as Prison C.O.C), that prisoners were often, "degraded, beaten and had their feelings hurt." Abdul states, "At times, I felt like I was back in Junior High. The name calling was very hurtful. Often Interrogators and Prison staff would refer to us as "gaylords," "Dummies" and "stupidheads." At least under Saddam's rule, we did not have to hear such hurtful remarks. Granted, he would cut off our ears, but at least we did not have to hear these insensitive comments." Records indicate that nonmilitary personal were in fact spread-heading the interrogations. Often, they would override and rewriting Military Policies regarding interrogation and POW treatment. A one Mr. Jack McCarcusk, AKA "Barnabus The Clown," is a former nonmilitary interrogator, who worked out of Abu Ghraib. Records reveal that Mr. McCarcusk was the "Atypical School Yard Bully" who was often responsible for much of the taunting, name calling and bullying that took place. One former detainee reports that on a regular basis, Jack McCarcusk, AKA "Barnabus The Clown," would subject him to vicious "self bapping" assaults. "It was horrific," states former detainee, Osama Bin Cockiee. "He would take my arms and repeatedly bap me in the head and face with my own hands, while proclaiming, 'why are you hitting yourself, why are you hitting yourself! Stop it! Stop it!, quite hitting yourself.' I never though I would make it out alive. It was frightening. it was my understanding that clowns were suppose to be gentle and friendly, how wrong I was." ACLU lawyer Richard Roundtree, has signed on to represent the more then 30 prisoners who are bringing suite against the U.S. Military for both physical and mental abuse. "The interrogation, torture and humiliation are more then anyone should endure. Isn't the sleep deprecation, sensory overload and barking dog enough? We understand that in wartime situations, detainees do not possess the same "rights" as POWs. However, is it really necessary to force detainees to watch reality shows, such as The Littlest Groom, over and over again until their eyes bleed? Not only does this violate their basic human rights, but it also strips them of any dignity." It was also learned that some detainees have attempted suicide, after repeatedly being exposed to Billy Ray Cyrus 1995 Hit "Achy Breaky Heart," and The Osmonds, "I'm A Little Bit Country, I'm a Little Bit Rock and Roll." When word spread of these allegations, support for the detainees flooded the office of Prison C.O.C. Celebrities of all sorts came out of the wood work to protest the abuse of Iraqi detainees. Upon hearing stories of the supposed abuse, Former President Bill Clinton booked a flight to Abu Ghraib Prison, to see first hand the atrocities that took place. Clinton later added, "These guys and gals down there really know how to live it up. Covering their head in women's panties, running around naked, hangin' out with loose white trailer trash women; hell man, sounds like my type of party. Where do I sign up!.... whooo ha." The Prison C.O.C, investigation into allegations of sexual assaults at Abu Ghraib, concluded that in fact, sexual assaults did occur. Interestingly these assaults occurred at the time that Pop Sensation Michael Jackson was in Baghdad performing for the troops and touring Abu Ghraib Prison. Jackson's spokesperson issued a statement stating, "the allegations are fabricated and false. Its well that Michael does not date 'older men.' " Jackson added, "those people are always pickin' on me... making such hurtful comments... those people are ignorant... they're ignorant."
May 19	WMD's in Iraq
Hey John, How about a prediction for how long it will take the American Leftist Media (i.e. CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN and print media NY Times, Wash Post, Boston Globe, etc - the usual suspects) to claim that the Serin weapons were planted and how long before Seymour Hersh says the conspiracy to plant them goes right to the highest levels in White House!! (Just like the prisoner abuse issue) Keep up the good work!!
May 19	WMD's? Gimme a break
One antique artillery shell does, in no way, constitute the discovery of WMD's. Let's see... was it actually discovered? Or was it used as a weapon? Where was it from? Is it the only one? So many variables, yet you seem to just hype it all just as the discovery of WMD's. Your continual shilling in defense of Bush is so transparent it's pathetic. Bush is in trouble and no one, not even the Independent Republican Man can save him on this issue. And before you start calling me anti American - save it. It's your cop out line every time Bush gets criticized. And yes - I did vote for him. Here's a few lines you should rehearse - you're gonna need them - "I was wrong". You take credit for everything, and blame for nothing. And one shell of Sarin gas ain't the discovery of WMD's. I'll tune in so I can hear you use your new sentence on y our show.
May 19	Prisoner torture
Just like to point out that one of the pictures was of an Iraqi prisoner who,dead on ice in a showere that WAS apparently killed during questioning. SO, people are being mistreated. I am a supporter of Bush, the troops and the war on terror. I think it was fine to invade Iraq, I knew it would not be easy and belive it will get worse before it gets better. But our country has ALWAYS suffered when in the past our gevernment lied to the people. Soldiers got caught doing something wrong and there needs to be an accounting for it. Rumsfeld does NOT need to resign. You do no one a service when you trivialize the abuse. Mark, Scituate
May 19	Re: Lied to again! 5/17/04
Hello John: Thank you for posting the comments from Dave Kane. I will never forget the horrible tragedy of the Station Fire and will continue to give my help, and support in anyway I can to seek truth and justice for all of the families. I am not convinced that Attorney General Patrick Lynch, despite what he has said, could not have gotten more indictments. Persons /officials need to be held responsible We can no longer have the 'good old boy network' OR 'business as usual'. Answers are needed! Shirley Walker
May 19	Recall AG Lynch
Since you know so much about the Laws in RI, I was wondering if there was any way to recall Attorney General Lynch? I would sign that document in a new york minute. Thank you for your reply, freedomusa@cox.net.
May 19	casino
I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR POSITION IS ON THE NARRAGANSETTS GETTING A CASINO VOTE ON THE BALLOT THIS ELECTION DAY. I MYSELF FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT IT'S EVEN BEING CONSIDERED. I MEAN, THE LICENSE BEING PUT OUT TO BID SHOULD BE THE FIRST STEP. THAT IS WHAT SHOULD BE ON THE BALLOT. THE LICENSE TO GAMBLE IS THE MAGIC WAY TO BALANCE THE STATES, AND ALL THE MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN TO BALANCE BUDGETS AND TAKE CARE OF THE NEAR FUTURES MONETARY SHORTFALLS. I DON'T OWE THE NARRAGANSETTS A THING AND THERE ISN'T A RHODE ISLAND CITIZEN THAT DOES EITHER.THEY DON'T WANT TO WORK HARDER THAN DEALING CARDS AND COUNTING MONEY.... I JUST CAN'T LIVE WITH THAT CAN YOU. LET'S TAKE IT SLOWLY DO IT RIGHT ONCE FOR THE FIRST TIME. WHEN YOU REALLY THINK ABOUT THE LOGISTICS JUST LIKE THE AIRPORT WASN'T RIGHT FOR WARWICK, THE CASINO ISN'T RIGHT FOR WEST WARWICK. JOHN, THERE'S TIMES LIKE THIS WHEN YOU PEOPLE UP THERE IN THE STATE HOUSE SHOULD BE THINKING WITH THE BIG BRAIN. I'M CONCERNED. ALLAN CHAGNON
May 18	web links
Dear John - Your comments this morning re: the fate of Nick Berg were insightful and direct. After hearing your thoughts I would like to view the video of Mr. Berg's death but am unable to find the links on the web. I would appreciate it if you would forward the link. I believe that the majority of Americans will feel as I do -- shock and rage. Since the beginning I have felt the hand ringing over the prison problems has been over the top. For the terrorists to use that as an excuse for this violence is a clear example of their self righteous thinking. I feel Presidend Bush is doing the best he can. And I am a Democrat!!! (I question his collegeaus more often than him.) Senator Lieberman said it best at the Senate hearings when he made a point to add that there were no apologies on 9/11; there have been no apologies for the terrorist deaths of our young soldiers; there was no apology for Daniel Pearl. After I view the video I will decide if my son will see it. Thank you for your hard work and always wonderful to hear show! Marie Casale
May 18	casinos in ri
John, I think they should make Lincoln a casino if anything since they have the landspace up there in Lincoln. Newport and Warwick are too congested now, especially Warwick. They need to have it where there is sufficient space. Jean R N. Kingstown
May 18	property taxes
Hello John, I heard on your show that you will be doing a show on property taxes. A few years ago, after having my taxes double in one year I became very interested in this phenomenon and have come to the conclusion that until and unless we replace the ad valorem property tax system we will never solve this problem. No one wants to hear this and everyone defends the system even though the pain and inequity becomes so evident after every revaluation. Inertia is hard to overcome but if we really want to fix we have to admit that the system is outdated and not relevant to our current way of life. I would love the opportunity to participate in a discussion of the pro's and con's of the current system versus the one which I propose. You can see more on my website: http://www.righttax.org I would love to hear from you about this very important and very controversial issue. Harvey -- Harvey Waxman D.M.D., Founder R.I.G.H.T. Rhode Island Gets Honorable Taxation 73 Wright Lane North Kingstown, RI 02852 http://www.righttax.org
May 18	INDIAN CASINO
JOHN, I'M LISTENING THIS AFTERNOON AND I FEEL THAT I HAVE TO WEIGH IN. MY THOUGHTS ON THE INDIANS RUNNING A CASINO ARE AS FOLLOWS. THE INDIANS DON'T WANT TO WORK AT ANYTHING THAT TAKES EFFORT THEY WANT TO SIT AROUND AND DEAL CARDS OR ROLL DICE AT OUR EXPENSE. I THINK THE STATE SHOULD PUT A LICENSE OUT TO BID FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF GAMBLING IN THE STATE THE LOCATION ISSUE SHOULD BE SETTLED ANOTHER DAY EVERYONE SHOULD TAKE A STEP BACK AND LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE AND THINK ABOUT WHAT THE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE!!
May 18	Lynch and Marriage
John, taking marriage advice from the Attorney General is like taking swimming lessons from Ted Kennedy? As for the French not wanting to send troops, why would we want an ally that only knows how to put tanks into reverse? Al from Barrington Aka Al Saiz
May 18	Re: Nicholas Berg Video
Dear Mr. DePetro: On May 13, 2004 you gave out the web site regarding the Nicholas Berg Video. I'm not sure if I wrote down the correct site. I had www.voiceof jhadcom. I tried this web site and I was unable to make a connection. Do I have the correct site and if not could you please e-male the correct one? My husband and I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you. Sincerely, Shawn
May 18	George Bush Osamas Best friend
Heres part of an editorial in a European newspaper that tells me why G Bush is really undermining the war on terrorism But of course the childlike trust the Bushies have in this liar prevents them from seeing this... ............................ Islamist terrorism feeds on a sentiment of frustration and humiliation in the face of the Arab world's inability to gain entrance to modernity. The Islamists keep alive a sense of Arab dignity constantly trampled underfoot by the West- Israel, the United States, Europe ganging up together in a continuously renewed anti-Muslim crusade. They chew over this fantasy and look for compensation by describing the West, and especially the United States, as a depraved, amoral, and violent world. If the fight against Islamic terrorism is a battle of ideas - and it is in fact, much more than is imagined - and therefore of image, then Mr. Bush has just registered a major strategic defeat. The war conducted in Iraq has given new ammunition to Islamic terrorism; the policy of torture - designed to soften up detainees before interrogation - conducted by Americans in an Arab capital that may be occupied, but is proud of its rich and glorious past, is the best gift Osama bin Laden has been given since the fall of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Abu Ghraib confirms the image of America the Islamists want to impose on the Arab world. We all felt ourselves to be Americans the day after September 11, 2001. Donald Rumsfeld has made us all Non-Americans. Today, he is the best agent of basic anti-Americanism, one of those responsible for generating the biggest wave of anti-Americanism ever aroused in the rest of the world. This is so true that in every Ministry of Justice office of anti-terrorism experts everyone acknowledges that this war has created exactly the situation it was supposed to prevent: cooperation, connections, between al-Qaeda and the jihadist groups that swarm over the Near and Middle East. Even more serious: al-Qaeda's methods and resources have been put in the service of Arab nationalism.
May 18	Candidates
john, MySenator is Bea Lanzi and she is too tight with the unions. Besides, we need more balance as everyone has been saying. I am past my prime to run but perhaps Peter Anthony (don't know his last name ) will run against her?? My phone numer is 827-5300 and I pledge at least $50 to Peter Anthony's campaign if he will run against Lanzi. Can you pass this info on to him and my phone #?? Regards, Beverly and Sam Parente
May 18	sent to rep williams
you are a disgrace, you have no class, i dont no how you sleep at night, stand back and take a good look at yourself. you are not helping anybody, you surround yourself with a bunch of losers, you being on the top loser of the heep. i live off of prarie ave and i heard your big stupid mouth on the radio, i might as well go back to africa, after hearing your dumb statement on the radio, yeah like insulting the governors wife is going to help us, the only reason you are elected each year, is because you are a idiot and the ones who vote for you are idiots too, you promise us the world and you give us the shit end of the stick, everytime, sighned someone with more class than you,
May 17	Warwick Police Incident
Hi John I am a resident from Warwick and i did not catch all of your show about the under age girl having sex with the Warwick Police officers and there names. I am upset about the fact it all seems to be one big cover up because the providence journal has reported little to nothing anout this incident as well as the media. I am upset that I am a tax payer and shouldnt I be aware of what is going on in the community??? If you get a chance i would love to hear your responce. Thanks, Linda
May 17	Lied to again!
For Immediate Release From: Dave Kane Candidate for Attorney General Subject: Lied to again! Contact: Dave Kane (401) 938-2606 / dkane41@cox.net On May 13th, family members of the victims of the Station Nightclub fire protested in front of the Attorney General's office. This protest was to point out the depth of the incompetence displayed by the current Attorney General. For more than a year these families have been waiting for justice. For more than a year, they have been waiting for the rest of those people responsible for this horrible tragedy to be named, indicted and arrested. The response of Attorney General Patrick Lynch, to this demonstration, was to lie to the public about his dealings with these families. Mr. Lynch issued a press release that stated that he had offered to meet with family members. This was a lie. He also said that he offered an opportunity for the protestors to meet with the 'prosecution team'. But, the family members failed to show up. This was also a lie. However, Mr. Lynch did contact Tammy Ayer, the leader of the protest and asked her to come to his office on Wednesday Morning at 10AM. This meeting was an obvious attempt to discourage Miss Ayer from having the demonstration at all. Miss Ayer did not attend this meeting. AT NO TIME, DID MR. LYNCH INVITE THE FAMILY MEMBERS TO HIS OFFICE. AT NO TIME DID MR. LYNCH, OFFER A MEETING WITH HIS 'PROSECUTION TEAM'. As a matter of fact, as I was standing outside the office, Randy White, the lead prosecutor, was entering the building. He stopped and chatted with me. During our conversation, he never mentioned any meeting. He never once asked why we had not attended this meeting. Therefore, I am convinced that even he, Mr. White, was not aware of any such meeting. These lies are just another glaring example of the Attorney General's complete disregard for the families of the Station fire victims. A disregard that became blatantly obvious when he made the infamous statement, "If I gave them 50 indictments, they would want 51" I challenge Mr. Lynch to admit that he lied about the offer to meet with these families. I demand that Mr. Lynch tell the truth about his intentional 'snub' of the families and friends of the Station fire victims. I say that Mr. Lynch lied again and I dare him to deny it.
May 17	Prisoners
Post Script: NO APOLOGIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! John The issue of the Iraqi POW's is being blown way out of proportion. We did not torture the POW's! They may have been mistreated but they weren't tortured! Its being argued by the media that we're helping recruit terrorists by this treatment of Arabs. Well if thats true then the American media is aiding and abetting the recruitment of terrorists by airing these photos! They didn't have to air these photos.They chose to air these photos for political reasons and for ratings! This kind of story would have never come out during WW II. If they were so concerned they should have quietly presented the photos and the allegations to the proper military authorities! I believe in the first amendment but that doesn't mean you irresponsibly air stories that can contribute to the killing of American soldiers. Keith from Bristol
May 17	Hi
Dear John: Keep up the good work. I've been hounding my boss/friend to run for the state legislature since your show a couple months ago that pointed out the math of how just a few changes in our legislature can make a difference and get out the "crownies" (sp?). Today he called and spoke with Frank Gerrity of the RI GOP to have a sit down to see what he has too do. He would be great for the job (he lives in Cranston). Just wanted to let you know. Mark C.
May 17	Pictures
I want to know how come we can get all sorts of pictures out of the federal prisons in Iraq, but we can't get a picture of Buddy without the rug out of NJ
May 17	Hole To Hole
Hole To Hole BURROW DEEP THE VERMIN IN THE CAVES OF A BACKWARD LAND, FROM HOLE TO HOLE YOU RUN AND HIDE AS WE BOMB THE ROCK TO SAND, WE BARE THE TEETH OF DIGITIZED WAR THAT FINDS THE VERMIN'S KEEP, EVIL DOER CAMEL SCREWER WE'LL CRUSH YOU WHERE YOU SLEEP, Frank J. Koch Jr. 2004
May 17	Jack Reed and Congress Ignored Reports of Prisoner Abuse
John, Where is our other useless Senator? Haven't herd from him in months. Keep up the good work. Congress Ignored Reports of Prisoner Abuse Phil Brennan, NewsMax.com Tuesday, May 11, 2004 Democrats howling for the resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld for not informing them of reports of prisoner abuse in Baghdad are ignoring the fact that concerned parents of an accused soldier informed 16 members of Congress - top Democrats such as Senators Hillary Clinton, Edward Kennedy and John D. Rockefeller - and the governor of Virginia of the burgeoing scandal as far back as February 26th of this year. None of these people acted to disclose the detailed information contained in the letters. While the media has created a firestorm about the abuse allegations at Abu Ghraib prison, only one TV network, MSNBC, disclosed the names of the members of Congress when one of the letter writers, William Lawson, mentioned them during a telephone interview. No further mention of the names was made by MSNBC. Otherwise, the mainstream media has circled the wagons in a blatant attempt to protect their Democratic allies in the Senate from charges of hypocrisy in condemning Secretary Rumsfeld for not informing them of what they already knew, through both Army press releases and the letters. Lawson, the uncle of one of the accused soldiers, Staff Sgt. Ivan L. Frederick, gave NewsMax.com the names of the members of Congress and Virginia's governor as well as the text of the explosive letters in a series of faxes. Here are the names, all Democrats except for Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, Sgt. Frederick's congressman: Senators Jack Reed, Mark Dayton, Robert Byrd, Bill Nelson, Evan Bayh, Mark Pryor, Edward Kennedy, Benjamin Nelson, Hillary Clinton, Joseph Lieberman, Daniel Akaka, Paul Sarbanes, John D. Rockefeller, Governor Mark Warner and Rep. Roscoe Bartlett. Senator Byrd's office would not even accept the letter e-mailed to him on the grounds it was too long. Bartlett said he was looking into the matter. Sarbanes said he had written the the "appropriate officials." Rockefeller begged off on the grounds that he was barred by privacy rules. Senator Joe Lieberman is the only one of these members of Congress who has defended Donald Rumsfeld and the world's mission in Iraq. In fact, Senators Reed and Dayton were nearly abusive in holding the feet of Sec. Rumsfeld, Gen. Myers et alii to the fire last week - and here we find that they knew of the abuse allegations months ago. They could only have been feigning outrage, since they have been long aware of what was going on at Abu Ghraib; the e-mail letters fully alerted the 16 Democrats and Governor Warner of the prisoner abuse accusations. Moreover the U.S. Central Command told the media of an investigation into abuses on Jan. 16, just days after a report by a whistleblower. "They told everyone in the world there were allegations of abuse and they were being investigated," Secretary Rumsfeld told reporters. On March 20, he added, Central Command "announced not only allegations, but they listed the types of abuses." Lawson, a 23-year Army veteran, and other relatives of Sgt. Frederick, told those he wrote that they feared he and the other accused MPs were being made scapegoats "to save some general's carrer."   -- Michael Rigmaiden
May 17	Thank you Mr. Rumsfeld
If Sec. Rumsfeld had afforded this Iraq "detainees" Geneva Convention rights this young lad would still be alive. Thank you Mr. Rumsfeld, there is more blood on your hands. Tim McCloskey
May 17	Where is the Video
Dear John: In as much as I don't want to see it, but feel I have to. What site did you go to to get the video of poor Nick Berg. Thanks, Mark
May 17	Lincoln " one more " Chafee
What's the story with the missing Linc's belching every 15 seconds during your interview. Word has it he is suffering from Kennedy disease?
May 17	beheading
john i've been trying to download the video for most of the day. northeast intelligence is overwhelmed with request's for the download.i'm just wondering if any of you're viewers or listeners have the video and would be willing to share it. please help by making the video or a link to the jihad website available at depetro.com. thanks for you're concern and continuing support of us the independent citizens. allanchagnon
May 17	Shannon
John: Thanks for your work in the political arena. Have been listening since we moved to RI a few years ago. Purpose of my email is to ask a favor, and see if you would like to get involved in a worthy cause. My daughter Shannon and I are doing a Fundraising bike ride (72 or 100 miles) in Lake Tahoe, for the Leukemia Society, the first weekend in June. We have a goal of $10K, which we have been able to raise about half, and humbly wondered whether you would be willing to allow us to use your show as a platform to help raise additional money. There are 13 of us from RI that are going to the bike ride, and we will be raising over 50K collectively. The remarkable thing about my daughter is that at this time last year, she was fighting for her life against leukemia at Hasbro's, where she was treated. A great kid, (valedictorian of Rocky Hill High in EG, Class of '02), she came home after her first semester at Amherst College, and before she went back for her spring semester, she had gotten the symptoms and was diagnosed shortly after returning to school. She fought such a courageous fight, but was touched deeply by the kids that fought and lost their battle, that when she got better (she is in remission and we are prayerfully optimistic for a full recovery; she continues to go to the clinic at Hasbro periodically for blood work and bone marrow biopsy), she really wanted to give back and try to do something, so she got me involved in this bike ride, which is about killing me with the long prep rides on the weekends, but I keep telling myself it is for a good cause. Anyway, if you would be so good a s to maybe have Shannon on and talk about her experience briefly and maybe get behind the fundraising on your show for a day, or an hour, I'm sure it would make a big difference. If you can't, I understand that you get a lot of requests, but I figured nothing among all the negative news, it' would be nice for your listeners to hear of a good kid doing the right thing. Thanks, John. Patrick Rush
May 17	Bush dosen't need pictures
John, President Bush dosen't need pictures to embarrases him all he has to do is open his mouth. Uh! Uh! Uh!
May 17	Show the picture
Tell Lori that it is for the "better good" that the picture of Berg's beheading be shown. These people wan't to kill all Americans. This is a win or loose situation. The troops hands should be untied. Keep up the good work, Ken from Warwick
May 17	re: The famale caller that mocked your Christianity
John you are a good person. If any man or/woman puts you down for your Christianity beliefs just remember that unbelievers will hate you just as Jesus was hated. This is the price we pay for following Jesus. Stick to your guns. They will be the losers on judgement day. Keep up the good work. I listen to you every day and I applaud you. God Bless you.
May 17	Supporting the troops
Listened to you today say a person can not be FOR the troops yet against the war. I disagree, and I am actually for the war,not for the main reasons stated,but because I believe we need to establish,by force if necessary, a free and democratic state in the region,and Iraq was just the ripest candidate for it. A person can indeed be supportive of the troops,by NOT criticizing them or treating them badly like they were subjected to during Vietnam. You can go to rallies,help paint a soldiers house, help out the family,send packages etc. All this can be done to give the soldier a complete feeling of support at the same time as you would like the war to be over. What do you say to a soldier who is dutifully serving and doesnt think the war is correct? Is he/she a traitor? There are soldiers, serving without complaint, NOT abusing Iraqui prisoners, who feel we shouldn't be there. Sometimes you really sound like an amateur. Sam in Scituate
May 17	A few thoughts from the Left...
Supporting the President We will be having a presidential election this November. We have one every four years. No where in the Constitution do I see an exception for when we are at war. We have changed administrations in times of war and times of peace, in times of crisis and times of tranquility. That's what we do when we are unhappy with the administration in power. We have seen elections cancelled in other countries under the "banner of continuity in times of trouble". We don't do that here. I don't agree with how President Bush got us into Iraq and I don't agree with his prosecution of the war. Therefore I can't support him. "But then you don't support the troops", you say. Following that logic, all a sitting President has to do is put troops in harm's way and he gets another term no matter what. Not in MY America. Political Exploitation of the Current Situation in Iraq Yes, the democrats are exploiting the "stumbles" by the administration. And President Bush is NOT participating in politics? He's on the road weekly raising more money than God! Why? He wants to be re-elected. And not only to continue to prosecute the War on Terror in his way, but to continue his other agendas on abortion, gay marriage, packing the federal judiciary, drilling for oil in Alaska, etc. And you know what? That's fine. But his agendas are not my agendas and not Senator Kerry's agendas. So Mr. Kerry's aim is to defeat George Bush in November and everything he (and the President) does to attain that goal is by nature political. And that's another part of our democracy which we are trying to plant in Iraq, like it or not. Release the New Photos From Iraq? No. I don't need to see any more photos of abuse in Iraq. On the other hand, I would like to read a report of what the photos show. It has been reported that this new batch show torture, rape, sodomy, etc. not the "frat pranks" of the last batch. I want to know if that is true, so we can decide on terms of discussion (torture vs. embarrassment). War On Terror We keep hearing how we must support our President unconditionally because of the War On Terror. It is NOT a war! War on Terror (like the War On Drugs or War On Poverty) is an overworked euphemism. We were attacked by terrorists on 9/11 and we had to respond, have responded, and must continue to respond in a measured fashion. But I will not afford this President (or any subsequent president) the war powers which presidents enjoyed during WW I, WW II, Korea or Viet Nam. It is far too dangerous. Dissent As is clear from this lengthy speech (which I would never have gotten half said if I called the show today), I don't intend to stop speaking out when I believe there are errors being made by the Bush administration. By the way, I don't belong to the "Anybody but Bush" club. Mr. Kerry is going to have to convince me that he can salvage the situation in Iraq and has a better idea on how to protect my country from terrorists if he wants my vote. Thanks for reading, Jim from Cranston
May 17	message board
JOHN, I JUST GOT ON LINE AND I WAS READING THE INDEPENDENT MAN'S MESSAGE BOARD. IT WAS AWFUL FAMILIAR AND THAT WAS BECAUSE I HAD WRITTEN IT. IT'S A BLESSING THAT WE HAVE YOU TO HELP BE OUR WATCHDOG OF THE ISSUES. GOD ALMIGHTY, I'M LISTENING TO THE 12 NEWS WHILE, I TYPE AND EYEWITNESS HAS A SHRINK ON TALKING ABOUT THE "GRAPHIC IMAGES OF IRAQ'S BEING ABUSED" AND HOW THOSE DISTURBING IMAGES ARE GOING TO AFFECT OUR CHILDREN. I THINK SOME CREATIVE ATTORNEY (NOT A LYNCH BOY) SHOULD START A FRIVILOULS LAW SUIT ABOUT HOW THE TELEVISION MEDIA HAS MADE OUR CHILDREN INTO MONSTERS AND MALCONTENTS. JOHN, I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO ACCESS THE BEHEADING VIDEO AND THIS PLOY BY CBS, AND I WOULD SUSPECT NBC AND ABC BRINGING THE SHRINKS IN TO SEE HOW THE CHILDREN REACT WILL BE THEIR WAY OF DENYING THE EVERYDAY AMERICAN THE OPPORTUNITY TO VIEW THE VIDEO OF AN AMERICAN MAN A YOUNG MAN BEING BEHEADED. THAT VIDEO SHOULD BE FORCE FED TO US SO THAT WE ALL KNOW WHAT THESE ISLAMIC FANATICS ARE ALL ABOUT. PEOPLE OF AMERICA, WAKE UP, THEY WANT TO KILL EVERYONE OF US. THEY WON'T STOP THE JIHAD EVER. I DON'T LIKE LOOKING OVER MY SHOULDER WAITING FOR A TERRORIST TO SHOW UP IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD. THANKS JOHN, FOR THE OPEN FORUM. ALLAN CHAGNON
May 17	Ideas
John I appreciate your good work on the local scene. I think you have helped our legislature get its act together. Keep pushing them. I know you are a good conservative so I am recommending you read one of the outstanding conservative columnists, George Will who appears on the Washington Post--www.washingtonpost.com. Check out the column "Time for Bush to see...." I think it was the May 4 column. I also think you do a good job of supporting freedom of the press. But you ought to think more deeply about "You are either with us or with the terrorists." That is saying that you should not dissent and dissent is to democracy as oxygen is to respiration. What would have happened in the Vietnam era if it had been "You are either with us or with the communists."? Phil Havens
May 17	nick berg video
John, I am right there with you about the whole mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners. Your assessment of that bull is dead on balls accurate with what I feel. Getting my head cut off while I'm still alive or being forced to watch people have sex? Hmmmm, I'll take option B. I can't believe some media and american non-media would try to equate the two. Seeing the video made me sick to my stomach. Seeing the Iraqi prisoners with bags over their heads (or women's panties) made me think "thats something I would do for a goof." I never believed in God much, but the more I do, the more I pray that these terrorists learn to fear us by any means necessary, no matter how silly things may seem to us, the same things are demeaning to them. Hopefully they will all fear our punishments(dog collars and panties on their heads) as much as I fear being beheaded or blown up. Great job John, thanks for telling it like it is.
May 13	"Sexplorer" program
John, I heard that the Warwick cops involved in the "Sexplorer" program are crying entrapment. Any more scoops on that? CCB
May 13	Re: Dave Kane 5/6/04
DAVE KANE E-MAIL IS DKANE41@COX.NET HOPE THIS CAN HELP YOU OUT KALI ====FREDDY FROM WARWICK
May 13	Re: John Harwood- a Comeback?
That portrait of John Harwood hanging in the state house is enough to me puke! What is even more outrageous is to see Mr. Almond yucking it our with Harwood on the pages of the ProJo.... and we are suppose to believe "he didn't know" about the Collins scandal... what is even more disgusting about Almond's appearance at this "unveiling" is that he was able to muster the energy to haul himself off the couch after putting his cigarette out and show up to the "affair". Good Grief, he could make it to a this democrate party affair of stooges but couldn't make it to a Republican fundraiser the whole time he was govenor. He left his own party out to swing but is there to "party" with the other side... Let's be clear, he is just like most of the other "good ole boys" in the RI Republican party.... donkeys in elephants clothing.... I personally thank God every night for the new emerging Republican party in RI with leaders like Don Carcieri and Steve Laffey ...it looks like the old ways may just be changing. It is time to turn the likes of these weaked knee, go along to get along, do something for me and my family and I'll turn my back Republicans out to pasture along with the likes of Harwood, Montanaro Jr. and all the other greedy union backers that are destroying the financial base of this state. That portrait of Harwood should be a constant reminder to all the citizens that it is time to get out and work at changing our state for the better of all not just a few. Elizabeth
May 13	Battista resignation cautions
While it is welcomed news that Battista is leaving, let us be careful to count the silverware before he goes. He, like other CEOs in RI healthcare, has always been primarily interested in his own welfare. Is he resigning at this time to avoid the legislative regulations which are imminent limiting compensation and buyout packages for nonprofit CEOs? What are the terms of his severance? What are the payments which will be made to him as the "golden parachute"? The Board must make these public. Perhaps he has decided that he will do better personally (i.e. financially) to leave now with the family jewels rather than stay on with the limitations that are just down the pike. Pigs don't leave the trough voluntarily. What are the terms (all the terms) of the severence and separation package which he will receive. The AG and fifth estate must insist on this disclosure.
May 13	bcbs
JOHN, YOU ARE THE BOSS. I'M STILL REELING,THIS WEEKEND THERE SHOULD BE DANCING IN THE STREETS OF LITTLE RHODY! ! ! WATERFIRE SHOULD BE THE PLATFORM AND DOCTORS, SUBSCRIBERS, AND EVEN THE EMPLOYEES AT BLBS SHOULD JOIN IN THE FESTIVITIES. YESTERDAY I CALLED ABOUT GETTING MY REBATE FROM BCBS. I OPTED OUT OF THE MEDICARE PREFERRED PLAN BECAUSE MY Rx ALLOWANCE WAS EXAHUSTED, AND THEY OWED ME FOR TWO MONTHS OF PREMIUMS THAT WERE PRE-PAID. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP CALLED BACK LATER IN THE DAY TO SAY THE REFUND CHECK WAS IN THE PROCESS OF GOING IN THE MAIL !!! I'D NEVER GOTTEN SERVICE LIKE THAT IN THE PAST JOHN....... THANK YOU JOHN, FOR A JOB WELL DONE.... SINCERELY, AN AVID LISTENER ALLAN CHAGNON
May 13	NOBODY TALKS ABOUT THEIR KINGDOM
JOHN NEXT UP, BEACON MUTUAL, WORKER'S COMP PREMIUMS ARE KILLING GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY IN THIS STATE. NOBODY TALKS ABOUT THEIR KINGDOM, THAT IS NOBODY BUT YOU. GOOD LUCK JIM
May 13	Food prices in RI
John, You did such a great job with the BC/BS fiasco, I'd like to bring another serious issue to your attention. The food prices in Rhode Island are out of control! I lived most of my life in northern Massachusetts near the New Hampshire border. I moved here in 1995 and was astonished to see the difference in food prices. Because I still have family in that area I would sometimes do my food shopping when I went there to visit. After a while I became acclimated and complacent and just shopped at the stores here. Recently my elderly mother moved here from that area and she almost has cardiac arrest each time she has to go food shopping. She also complains about the rudeness of the store employees and their resistance to helping the customers. (Stop and Shop). I recently went to Nashua, NH to visit my daughter in her new home and had occasion to do food shopping for her while I was there. I was appalled at the difference in prices and decided I want try to do something about it. For a comparison here's some examples: Boneless NY Sirloin steak - $2.99/lb (this is very good quality beef) Shadybrook Turkey Breast - $1.49/lb Perdue whole chickens - $.99/lb ($1.79 here) 85% hamburg - $1.89/lb Pomegranate juice - $2.79 ($3.99 here) Broccoli crowns - .69/lb Red Leaf, Romaine lettuce - .99 each ($1.29-$1.69 here) Delicious apples - .79/lb ($1.49 here) Pasta boxes ranged in price from 5/$2.00 to .79each l Lb bag of popcorn - .99 You can see that most items are anywhere from .50 to $1.00 more here - why? The salaries of the workers aren't higher and the quality of the food/produce certainly isn't better. Dave's Market is an exception to the bad quality but not the prices. I happened to run into the President of the chain while I was there and asked him why they don't open a store in Rhode Island. He told me "they do things differently in Rhode Island". That pretty much says it all - but I'd like to find out why we all are getting gouged with these food prices. Thanks very much. Susan Sullivan-Madden
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